ANDRE MAKING PROGRESS

Andre Dozzell has taken the next step in his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

Town’s young midfielder played just 45 minutes of football last term, but recently began ball work as he eyes a return ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

“Things are improving all the time,” the 19-year-old told the Club website.

“I’m outside doing some light ball work now and the plan is to be fit for the first day of pre-season.

“I’ve been itching to get out there from day one really so it was a very good feeling having a ball at my feet.

“We’ve also been doing some stuff on reactions, footwork and different movements (conscious and unconscious), and all of that should help when I get back out on the pitch.

“The physios have been brilliant with me and designed a personal programme which is always helping me move in the right direction.”

Andre added that it was important for him to see the positives despite being sidelined for virtually an entire Championship campaign.

“If ever there is a time to suffer a bad injury it’s probably right at the start of the season,” he said.

“That way you’re not missing part of one season and then part of the next. I’ve missed the whole campaign but that means that I’m now set to return for pre-season so you always have to look for the positives.

“I’m trying to get to where I felt I was in August, even better in fact.

“There will be a new boss coming in at some point and I’ll be doing everything I can to impress during pre-season.”